Agenda, decisions and minutes

Members are asked to declare any interest and the nature of that interest that they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting.

Members declared interests in the following agenda items:

8. High Speed 2 Consultation Responses - Property and Compensation; and Safeguarding.

Councillor Nicholas Turner, Non Statutory Interest, as Chairman of the Banbury, Bicester and Worcester National Farmers Union.

Councillor Nigel Morris, Non Statutory Interest, as a member of the National Farmers Union.

12. Oxfordshire County Council Sites Acquisition and Supported Housing Scheme.

Councillor G A Reynolds, Non Statutory Interest, as a member of Oxfordshire County Council.

Councillor Michael Gibbard, Non Statutory Interest, as a member of Oxfordshire County Council.

Councillor Nicholas Turner, Non Statutory Interest, as a member of Oxfordshire County Council.

The Chairman to report on any requests to submit petitions or to address the meeting.

There were no petitions or requests to address the meeting.

The Chairman to advise whether they have agreed to any item of urgent business being admitted to the agenda.

There were no items of urgent business.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 January 2012.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 January 2013 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

** Please note that Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 6 will follow as they are currently being finalised **

Report of Head of Finance and Procurement

Summary

The Council is required to produce a balanced budget for 2013/14 as the basis for calculating its level of Council Tax. It has to base that budget on its plans for service delivery during the year, recognising any changes in service demand that may arise in future years. 

The first draft was reported to the January 7 2013 Executive meeting. The information has now been updated to reflect changes since then and, subject to any further changes Members may wish to include tonight, this final draft will be used to prepare a final budget proposal to be presented to full Council on 25 February 2013. 

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

(1)               To approve the changes to the draft budget since 7 January 2013 and consider the draft revenue budget (detailed in Appendix 1) in the context of the Council’s service objectives and strategic priorities.

(2)               To approve the balanced budget.

(3)               To recommend to full council a Council tax freeze or amend the proposals contained within this report to recommend a different level of Council Tax.

(4)               To agree the proposed 2013/14 capital programme (detailed in Appendix 2).

(5)               To note the review of earmarked revenue reserves undertaken by the Lead Member Financial Management and the Head of Finance and Procurement and approve re-allocation between various earmarked reserves.

(6)               To endorse the draft corporate plan and public pledges and to delegate authority to the Director of Resources in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Lead Member for Performance and Customers to make any minor amendments to the plan or pledges as required. (detailed in Appendix 4 & 5).

(7)               To note the 2013/14 Business Plan and Budget Equality Impact Assessment (detailed in Appendix 6).

(8)               To note the latest MTFS financial forecast is currently being refreshed and will be part of the budget book.

(9)               To request officers to produce the formal 2013/14 budget book on the basis of Appendices 1-6.

(10)          To recommend ,subject to any further changes Members may wish to include tonight, the updated draft for adoption by the Council on 25 February 2013 (as a key decision).

(1)               To delegate authority to the Head of Finance and Procurement, in consultation with Director of Resources and the Lead Member Financial Management to amend the contributions to or from general fund balances to allow the Council Tax increase to remain at the level recommended by Executive to full council following the announcement of the final settlement figures and as a result of any financial implications arising from recommendation 10.

Resolved

(1)               That the changes to the draft budget since 7 January 2013 be approved and the draft revenue budget in the context of the Council’s service objectives and strategic priorities be noted.

(2)               That the balanced budget be approved.

(3)               That Full Council be recommended to approve a Council tax freeze.

(4)               That the proposed 2013/14 capital programme be agreed.

(5)               That the review of earmarked revenue reserves undertaken by the Lead Member Financial Management and the Head of Finance and Procurement and approve re-allocation between various earmarked reserves be noted.

(6)               That the draft corporate plan and public pledges be endorsed and authority be delegated to the Director of Resources in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Lead Member for Performance and Customers to make any minor amendments to the plan or pledges as required.

(7)               That the 2013/14 Business Plan and Budget Equality Impact Assessment be noted.

(8)               That it be noted the latest MTFS financial forecast was currently being refreshed and would be part of the budget book.

(9)               That officers be requested to produce the formal 2013/14 budget book on the basis of Appendices 1-6 (annex to the minutes as set out in the Minute book).

(10)          That the updated Draft Budget 2012/13 be recommended for adoption by the Council on 27 February 2012.

(11)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Finance and Procurement, in consultation with Director of Resources and the Lead Member Financial Management to amend the contributions to or from general fund balances to allow the Council Tax increase to remain at the level recommended by Executive to Full Council following the announcement of the final settlement figures and as a result of any financial implications arising from resolution 10.

The Head of Finance and Procurement submitted a report which provided the second and final opportunity for the Executive to shape and refine the interaction between corporate service plans and financial matters before the final budget would be presented to full Council on 25 February 2013.

In presenting the draft budget, the Lead Member for Financial Management reported that a balanced budget for 2013/14 had been prepared without the need to raise council tax. The proposed zero % increase in council tax was in line with the Council’s previously stated commitment and would be the fourth year that Council Tax had been frozen.

The Lead Member for Financial Management reported that the council had successfully managed the budget challenges, previously forecast for 2013/14. The public promise of saving £800k had been over achieved together with total cost reductions in the 2012/13 budget of over £2m.

The Lead Member for Performance and Customers provided an overview of the Council Business Plan, which set out the key priorities for the Council in 2013/14, and Performance Pledges 2013/14, which reflected the key priorities of the Council in the coming year and would be circulated to every household with the council tax leaflet.

Executive was advised that there would be minor updates to the Performance Pledges relating to the respective Banbury and Bicester Masterplans, collective switching, rolling out of the Banbury Brighter Futures programme across the district and continuing to support the Horton General Hospital. These would be reflected in the final version of the Pledges that would be presented to full Council on 25 February 2012.

Councillor Woodcock, Leader of Labour Group, reported that the Labour Group accepted the budget and commended the innovation shown in addressing cuts and meeting the shortfall.

In response to Councillor Woodcock’s comments in relation to ensuring all CDC staff were paid a living wage, the Lead Member for Financial Management acknowledged that a small number of staff were affected and this would be reviewed in due course.

Resolved

(1)               That the changes to the draft budget since 7 January 2013 be approved and the draft revenue budget in the context of the Council’s service objectives and strategic priorities be noted.

(2)               That the balanced budget be approved.

(3)               That Full Council be recommended to approve a Council tax freeze.

(4)               That the proposed 2013/14 capital programme be agreed.

(5)               That the review of earmarked revenue reserves undertaken by the Lead Member Financial Management and the Head of Finance and Procurement and approve re-allocation between various earmarked reserves be noted.

(6)               That the draft corporate plan and public pledges be endorsed and authority be delegated to the Director of Resources in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Lead Member for Performance and Customers to make any minor amendments to the plan or pledges as required.

(7)               That the 2013/14 Business Plan and Budget Equality Impact Assessment be noted.

(8)               That it be noted the latest MTFS financial forecast was currently being refreshed and would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91.

Report of Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy

Summary

To consider the proposed use of the New Homes Bonus in the Cherwell District.

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

(1)               To approve the proposed use of the New Homes Bonus for the first two year awards as set out in the report.

Resolved

(1)               That the proposed use of the New Homes Bonus for the first two year awards be approved as set out in the report as amended (annex to the minutes as set out in the minute book).

The Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy submitted a report which sought consideration of the proposed use of the New Homes Bonus in the Cherwell District.

In introducing the report, the Lead Member for Planning circulated a schedule of amendments to the report which updated the original proposal to ensure that 25% of the New Homes Bonus would be used to meet the impact of planned growth across the whole district and improve community facilities in areas that had received development. 50% of the amount received would be held in a dedicated reserve (Local Government Resources Review Reserve) to enable the council to address any financial and service pressures. The remaining 25% would be allocated to supporting economic prosperity.

Resolved

(1)               That the proposed use of the New Homes Bonus for the first two year awards be approved as set out in the report as amended (annex to the minutes as set out in the minute book).

Reasons

There is no obligation on Cherwell Council to pass the New Homes Bonus on, but a clear expectation that this will be done. CDC has published this policy note to guide the use of any monies received from the New Homes Bonus to provide consistency, transparency and guidance for the how the first award might be used to the benefit of the District.

Options

Option One - To support the proposed use of the New Homes Bonus

Option Two - To amend the proposed use of the New Homes Bonus

Option Three - To not support the proposed use of the New Homes Bonus

Report of Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy

Summary

To consider the Council’s draft responses to the Governments High Speed 2 consultations on Compensation and Safeguarding.

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

(1)               To approve the draft response to the government’s two consultation documents as set out in appendix 1 and appendix 2.

Resolved

(1)               That the draft responses to the Government’s High Speed 2 Consultation documents on Property and Compensation and Safeguarding be approved for submission, subject to the inclusion of the following:

·        Inclusion of support for leaseholders and tenants in relation to properties and businesses

The Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy submitted a report which sought consideration of the Council’s draft responses to the Governments High Speed 2 (HS2) consultations on Compensation and Safeguarding.

Executive was advised that the Property Compensation Consultation set out a proposed package of measures designed for owners and occupiers of property along the London-West Midlands line of the route. The Safeguarding Consultation was aimed primarily at local planning authorities along the line of the route, who would be aware of relevant planning issues in their areas and to whom the directions would apply.

In considering the draft consultation responses, Members stressed that whilst they remained opposed to HS2, the council had a duty to protect its residents should it materialise. Members also noted that tenants and businesses would be affected and should therefore be included in the consultation response.

Resolved

(1)               That the draft responses to the Government’s High Speed 2 Consultation documents on Property and Compensation and Safeguarding be approved for submission, subject to the inclusion of the following:

·        Inclusion of support for leaseholders and tenants in relation to properties and businesses

Reasons

It is our duty as a local planning authority to ensure that our district, our residents and businesses do not suffer as a result of High Speed 2. The draft consultation responses have identified substantial flaws within the Governments proposed approach to compensation and safeguarding.

Options

Option One – Do nothing

Option Two - Respond as proposed. CDC is the Local Planning Authority and

the only public body able to respond on matters of detail relating to the route now that it has been confirmed by Government. Failure to discharge this role will leave the District at considerable disadvantage.

Option Three - Amend the proposed response.

Report of Chief Executive

Summary

To consider that the opening time on Wednesday is changed from 08.45 to 09.45 with effect from 1 April 2013.

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

(1)               To revise the opening time on Wednesday from 08.45 to 09.45 with effect from 1 April 2013, subject to South Northamptonshire Council agreeing to do the same.

Resolved

(1)               That the opening time on Wednesday from 08.45 to 09.45 with effect from 1 April 2013 be revised, subject to South Northamptonshire Council agreeing to do the same.

The Chief Executive submitted a report which sought consideration of the proposal to change the opening time on Wednesday from 08.45 to 09.45 with effect from 1 April 2013.

Resolved

(1)               That the opening time on Wednesday from 08.45 to 09.45 with effect from 1 April 2013 be revised, subject to South Northamptonshire Council agreeing to do the same.

Reasons

Opening later on Wednesday will facilitate the holding of regular and effective team meetings amongst staff.

Options

Option One - To accept the recommendation

Option - To reject the recommendation and make no change to office opening hours

The following report contains exempt information as defined in the following paragraphs of Part 1, Schedule 12A of Local Government Act 1972.

3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

6 – Information which reveals that the authority proposes;

(a)        to give under any enactment a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person; or

(b)        to make an order or direction under any enactment

Members are reminded that whilst the following item(s) have been marked as exempt, it is for the meeting to decide whether or not to consider each of them in private or in public. In making the decision, members should balance the interests of individuals or the Council itself in having access to the information. In considering their discretion members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers.

Should Members decide not to make a decision in public, they are recommended to pass the following recommendation:

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded form the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that they could involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3 and 6 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

Resolved

That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded form the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that they could involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.

** Please note that with the Leader’s agreement this report will follow as discussions are still underway with Oxfordshire County Council **

Exempt Report of Head of Regeneration and Housing

This report is exempt from publication by virtue of paragraphs 3 and 6 of Schedule 12A of Local Government Act 1972.

The Head of Regeneration and Housing submitted an exempt report relating to the acquisition of sites owned by Oxfordshire County Council.

Resolved

(1)               As set out in the exempt minute.

(2)               That the intention to bid for additional funding from the Homes and Communities Agency, to enable the Council to deliver 12 units of supported housing for adults with autism and 10 units of supported housing for people with physical disabilities be noted.

(3)               That authority be delegated to the Head of Regeneration and Housing, in consultation with the Lead Member for Regeneration, Head of Law and Governance, Head of Finance and Procurement and Lead Member for Financial Management, to conclude the outstanding negotiations for the relocation of Bicester Town Library, into the new Community Building in Bicester town centre.

Reasons

The negotiations between OCC and CDC in respect of these sites have been complex and at times challenging. The proposals protect the interests of both councils and deliver some significant outcomes for local people and the local physical and economic environment.

Options

Option One - To approve all the recommendations ~ whilst this is the most challenging option, it clearly delivers the most outcomes.

Option Two - To approve none of the recommendations ~ this will cause risk to the council delivering its HCA contracts and limit opportunity to respond to housing need and attract further inward investment.